Did you know there are now more than five dozen LGBTQ-inclusive board books for the very youngest children? Here are some of the ones published this year—and you can always see my database for more!
Click through for full reviews.
We Are the Rainbow! The Colors of Pride, by Claire Winslow and illustrated by Riley Samels (Sunbird Books). Not just for June, this book takes readers on a journey through the colors of the LGBTQ Pride flag and the meanings behind those colors. While there are already several similar books about the colors of the Pride flag, this one is notable for its visible inclusion of gender creative and trans people.
Bye Bye, Binary, by Eric Geron and illustrated by Charlene Chua (HarperFestival). “It’s a … baby!” And the baby in this cheerful board book is “ready to smash gender norms.” When asked, “Boy or girl?” the baby responds, “WHAT’S IT TO YA?” As with some other popular board books, parts are clearly aimed at parents, as when the baby observes that genders are “only social constructs anyway.” That’s okay; kids always want books on repeat, so they might as well inform and amuse the parents, too. Still, most of the language and concepts are simple enough for young tots, and the message of not being tied to stereotypes is a good one to learn at an early age.
The Pronoun Book, by Chris Ayala-Kronos and illustrated by Melita Tirado (Clarion Books). This bright board book poses one question: “How do you know what someone wants to be called?” The answer? “Ask.” The book then offers spreads celebrating different pronouns and the people who use them, all with various gender expressions and other aspects of diversity.
My Moms Love Me, by Anna Membrino and illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz (Orchard Books). “A hug from Mommy, warm and tight./A squeeze from Mama feels just right. This is how my mommies say,/’We love you, baby, night and day!”‘ begins this lovely rhyming poem from baby to Mommy and Mama. Each page or spread shows us a scene from their daily life until finally, it is storytime and bedtime, as the child reflects, “I love my moms and they love me. Together we are family!”
Find Out About Families, by Mandy Archer and illustrated by Louise Forshaw (Rodale Kids). A lift-the-flap board book that introduces children to many different types of families, of various sizes, geographic locations, race/ethnicity, religious heritage, and more. One featured family includes two moms, and we also see the image of one with two dads. A foster family is also featured. Other books may cover similar terrain, but the fun, interactive flaps give this one appeal.
The Science of Babies: A Little Book for Big Questions about Bodies, Birth and Families, by Deborah Roffman and illustrated by Frank Cable (Birdhouse). This colorful board book offers age-appropriate yet accurate answers about bodies and reproduction for children 3 1/2 years and up. It uses gender-inclusive language throughout when referring to different bodies, reproductive organs, and pregnant people, and includes images of families with two moms and two dads, among others. While a few other parts could have been more inclusive of LGBTQ folks, as I discuss in my full review, this book takes a step in the right direction and may still have value for some LGBTQ (and other) families.
Yes! No! A First Conversation About Consent, by Jessica Ralli and Megan Madison, illustrated by Isabel Roxas (Penguin Workshop). With the clarity of their earlier Being You: A First Conversation About Gender, the creative team here tackles the sensitive but important topic of consent, showing children how to ask for permission and be asked for permission about anything involving bodies. At least two of the children seem gender ambiguous, and could be read as any one of several genders. Another is cycling with two women who seem like her moms. Available as both a board book and a regular hardcover.